Laying the eggs of opportunity for farmers and displaced laborers

In its pursuit to assist the informal workers, Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) helping hand reached Purok Michelle, Brgy. Dulao, Bago City, Negros Occidental to provide the much-needed help for the vulnerable sector.

Marginalized farmers and displaced laborers in the area formed the Michelle Farmers and Farm Workers Association (MIFAFWA), but they were short of adequate capitalization for their proposed project.

The challenge, however, did not cow the MIFAFWA members. Knowing that DOLE could provide them with the necessary assistance, they submitted a proposal for a livelihood project.

Upon the assessment of the DOLE-6 through its Negros Occidental Field Office (DOLE RO6-NOFO), the association’s Egg Production Project promises a potential for economic gains.

The beneficiaries identified the project because there was an egg shortage in the area due to its high demand in urban areas for cakes and pastries production. Further, it is a fast-moving enterprise as it is considered a basic commodity with a limited number of existing suppliers in the area.

“We have seen the eagerness of the local residents in having the project, ‘said Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr. who directed NOFO Head Agnes N. Capigon to expedite the release of the assistance. “It has been DOLEs mandate to uplift the economic condition of the marginalized sector and they have the capability and skills for the success of this endeavor. Helping these people improve their lives is also keeping the government closer to them.”

A Php1 million livelihood assistance was released to the MIFAFWA for its Egg Production Project under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. The beneficiaries of the said project are farmers and displaced laborers who do not have capital and are considered the less fortunate individuals in the community.

The project aims to improve the economic conditions of the beneficiaries by providing them with the necessary capital to purchase the equipment needed for egg production, such as the 5 units of egg machines, egg trays, and veterinary and consumption needs of the chicken. Other than the eggs as their main product, the association will also be selling dressed or live chicken from their culled stocks.